My Go-To Helmet: BiltWell Gringo vs. Gringo S Breakdown
Featured Creator
left for contents
Probably the number one most asked question I get in the comments: “What helmet is that?” So today, I’m going to do a review on my favorite helmet. It’s not perfect — there’s pros and there’s cons — but it’s my favorite helmet: the Biltwell Gringo. I’ve owned the S, and I’ve also owned the first gen. So yeah, we’ll jump into it and I’ll give you my thoughts.
This article is based on the video by Ster Shady.
First Impressions: Budget-Friendly and Built Well
The Biltwell Gringo ECE 22.06 Helmet combines vintage aesthetics with modern safety standards, offering riders a minimalist design without compromising on protection.
- Stylish retro look
- ECE 22.06 safety rated
- Comfortable interior
- No built-in visor
Alright, so this is just the basic OG Gringo helmet made by Biltwell. First pro — this thing’s cheap. Like, if you’re price-conscious and you’re trying to find the best bang for your buck, I 1,000% recommend this guy. Right now, they have a closeout sale — they’ve been doing it for the last couple months — it’s like 125 bucks. It’s probably the cheapest helmet I’ve seen that’s not crap.
You can see there’s the DOT — that’s what you want. Make sure it’s a good quality helmet. But yeah, Biltwell Gringo, cheapest thing you can probably find.
Sleek Looks: Low-Profile and Clean
Another big pro? It just looks sick. I get asked about it all the time — people stop and ask what helmet it is, and I get why. It’s super low-profile and minimalist. I’ve got the matte black version, and I love how subtle it is. No flashy colors, no wild graphics. Just clean, chill, and stylish.
If you want a helmet that looks as good as it rides, this one nails it.
Comfort: Eventually Awesome, But Takes Patience
This one’s both a pro and a con. When I first got it, the fit was tight — like, uncomfortably tight. I wear a large, but this large fit smaller than other helmets I’ve owned. I even had to get creative to break it in — I stuck a deflated soccer ball in there, pumped it up, and let it sit for a couple of days.
Apparently, Biltwell uses the same shell for medium and large sizes, and just adjusts the interior padding. So yeah, it was narrow — especially around the jaw. Took about a week of solid riding before it started feeling right. But once it broke in, it fit like a glove. Now it’s super comfortable.
Visor Options: Simple, Swappable, and Stylish
One cool feature is the swappable visors. I’ve tried a few — the clear bubble shield, the dark smoke shield, and the standard flat plate I use now. They’re easy to switch out and give you different looks depending on your mood or the weather.
The Biltwell Bubble Anti-Fog Face Shield adds vintage flair and practical fog resistance to any 3-snap helmet setup.
- Retro bubble style enhances helmet aesthetics
- Anti-fog interior for better visibility
- Easy snap-on fit for most 3-snap helmets
- No UV protection listed
- Can catch wind at higher speeds
- May not fit all helmet brands perfectly
But here’s the thing — if you’re planning to ride at night, make sure you carry your clear visor in your backpack or saddlebags. The dark smoke looks amazing during the day, but it’s not practical after dark. Sometimes I just rock the clear and throw on sunglasses, which works too.
Upgrading to the Gringo S: Worth It?
A retro-styled full-face helmet that combines classic design with modern safety standards.
- ECE-certified for enhanced safety
- Lightweight construction
- Cushioned chin bar for comfort
- Limited ventilation
- Visor may not stay in a cracked-open position
- Can be noisy at higher speeds.
Because I liked the OG Gringo so much, I decided to try the Gringo S. It was around $275 — still pretty budget-friendly — and comes with a flip-up visor.
The Gringo S: Where It Falls Short
The visor on the Gringo S ended up being a letdown. It created this annoying buffeting effect whenever I went over 70 mph — like air would get under it and cause it to shake. It’s distracting, especially on longer rides.
Even worse, I bought the recommended dark smoke visor for it… and it didn’t fit right. It wouldn’t snap down all the way. Total bummer. So now I just use the Gringo S with sunglasses, but honestly, I don’t wear it often. Between the buffeting and the visor issue, it’s kind of a backup helmet for me now.
Comparing the Fit and Finish
If you put the two side by side — the Gringo and the Gringo S — there’s a noticeable difference. The OG Gringo feels solid, snug, and quiet. No vibrations, no weird air pockets, just a clean, quiet ride. The Gringo S, unfortunately, doesn’t hold up the same way.
That said, the S still has DOT certification, and the build quality isn’t bad. It just didn’t meet my expectations, especially after how much I liked the original.
Add-Ons and Customization
I’ve got my Sena communicator hooked up in the Gringo, and it’s been a smooth setup. Speakers fit in just fine, and there’s enough room to wire everything without issue. If you’re using comms, this helmet plays nice with them.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Get?
To wrap it up:
- Biltwell Gringo – Solid 8/10. Comfortable (after break-in), stylish, cheap, and does the job.
- Biltwell Gringo S – More like a 6/10. Not terrible, but the visor and buffeting issues are real.
At the end of the day, I’m still stoked on the original Gringo. I own three of them now. That kind of says it all.
If you’re looking for an affordable helmet that looks good, feels good, and gets the job done, I’d 1,000% recommend the Biltwell Gringo. Just know what you’re getting — it’s not the most protective helmet on the market, but for the price, it’s honestly hard to beat.
The Biltwell Gringo ECE 22.06 Helmet combines vintage aesthetics with modern safety standards, offering riders a minimalist design without compromising on protection.
- Stylish retro look
- ECE 22.06 safety rated
- Comfortable interior
- No built-in visor
